• Anxiety and mood
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.37-47
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• 2023

This review article explores the psychological characteristics, comorbid mental disorders, and psychosocial assessments throughout the solid organ transplant journey, spanning the pre-transplant, peri-transplant, and post-transplant phases for transplant recipients. The psychological burden and anxiety in the pre-transplant phase are high for organ failure patients with complex physical difficulties who are deciding to undergo transplantation and are on the waiting list. The pre-transplant psychosocial evaluation covers various aspects, including the patient's readiness, awareness of, and commitment to transplant treatment, medical compliance, psychopathological conditions such as cognitive function and personality disorders, lifestyle factors, including substance abuse, as well as various psychosocial factors like social support. During the peri-transplant phase, mental health problems such as postoperative delirium should be carefully recognized and addressed. After transplantation, it is essential to assist patients in coping with the various stressful experiences they encounter, manage psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia, and improve treatment adherence and quality of life during long-term care for the transplanted organ. Managing psychiatric problems in post-transplant patients requires a deep understanding of immunosuppressant medications and a keen awareness of associated risks, including adverse effects and potential drug interactions. This comprehensive review emphasizes the significance of proactive mental health care and psychosocial evaluation, highlighting the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to enhance the quality of life and overall success of transplant patients throughout all phases of transplantation.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.414-419
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• 2005

This study was performed to compare the treatment efficiencies of two media, newly developed Bio-rock and conventional gravel, in soil clothing contact oxidation process. The composition of synthetic wastewater were $COD_{Cr}$ $150{\sim}370\;mg/L$, $BOD_5$ $150{\sim}270\;mg/L$, T-N $20{\sim}60\;mg/L$, T-P $5{\sim}25\;mg/L$, pH 7 and 2 mL/L of trace element solution. The experiment using two reactors was comparatively conducted for the flow rate of 40 L/d for 13 months, respectively. Initially Bio-rock reactor was increased to pH 12 due to $Ca(OH)_2$ with hydration of cement, but gravel reactor was dropped to pH 4 due to the degradation of organic material and nitrification. This significant pH variation deteriorated the growth and activity of microorganism. But the high pH of Bio-rock seems favorite to ammonia stripping and precipitation of phosphate. Such pH variation of Bio-rock and gravel reactors were finally stabilized to pH 8 and pH 6, respectively. The removal efficiencies of organic compounds from Bio-rock reactor were 96% of $COD_{Cr}$, 98% of $BOD_5$, 80% of T-N and 85% of T-P which stably coping against variation of influent concentration. But those of gravel reactor were 96% of $COD_{Cr}$, 96% of $BOD_5$, 42% of T-N and 40% of T-P, respectively. The Bio-rock was 2 times higher than T-N and T-P in treatment efficiency. And electron-microscopic examination showed that Bio-rock was more favorable to microbial adherence than gravel. The microbial populations were $5.2{\times}10^6\;CFU/mL$ of Bio-rock reactor compared to $2.6{\times}10^6\;CFU/mL$ in gravel reactor. In result Bio-rock was favor to microbial adherence and high treatment efficiency in spite of variation of influent concentration which had the advantages in saving running time and reducing site requirement.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.86-94
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• 2021

Objectives : The risk of weight gain is high when using antipsychotic drugs, and the prevalence of obesity in people with mental illness is high. Obesity management in psychiatric patients is important because obesity causes various complications and lowers treatment adherence and quality of life. Methods : In this review, we summarized the management strategies for obesity that can occur when using antipsychotic drugs through a web search. Results : Evaluate obesity-related risk factors and related indicators from the beginning of treatment, and conduct regular monitoring. If an antipsychotic drug is used and obesity is induced, a change to a drug with a low metabolic risk may be attempted. Sufficient interventions are also needed on the need to manage obesity, a healthy diet, and exercises in patients and their families. If weight loss is not achieved and obesity-related complications are associated, the use of anti-obesity drugs may be considered. Pharmacological treatment approaches should be carefully considered. Conclusions : Non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies can be applied to manage weight gain and obesity caused by the use of antipsychotic drugs. When using anti-obesity drugs, the characteristics of mental disorders, drug safety, and drug interactions should be considered.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.185-190
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• 2022

Background: Denosumab (Prolia®) is administered every 6 months for osteoporosis treatment. Co-administration of calcium and vitamin D is required to minimize hypocalcemia risk. We evaluated clinical outcomes based on the administration interval of denosumab and co-prescription with calcium-vitamin D combination products. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using electronic medical records from 668 patients who started denosumab therapy between January 1 and December 31, 2018, at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. Clinical outcomes, as measured by changes in T-score, were evaluated by the intervals and concurrent prescriptions with calcium-vitamin D combination products. Results: Of the 668 patients, 333 patients met the eligibility criteria. These patients were divided into two groups based on appropriateness of the administration interval: "Appropriate" (304 patients, 91.3%) and "Inappropriate" (29 patients, 8.3%). T-score changes were significantly higher in the "Appropriate" than in the "Inappropriate" group (0.30±0.44 vs. 0.13±0.37, p=0.048). At the beginning of the treatment, 221 patients (66.4%) were prescribed calcium-vitamin D combination products, but the changes in T-scores were not significantly different by the prescription status of the product (0.29±0.46 vs. 0.28±0.38, p=0.919). Conclusion: T-scores were significantly improved in patients with appropriate administration intervals. No significant changes in T-scores were observed by the prescription status with calcium-vitamin D combination products. For optimal treatment outcomes, prescribers should encourage adherence to the approved prescription information on dosage and administration, and pharmacists should provide medication counseling for patients.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.543-557
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study which adopted a qualitative method was to evaluate blood pressure management behaviors of pre- and stage 1 hypertension patients and to provide fundamental data for developing a strategy about proper oriental medical treatment through analyzing factors related to a moxibustion clinical trial. Methods : Semi-structured interviews that focused on personal experiences with hypertension and its management were conducted with 10 hypertensive patients. The interviews lasted for approximately 50 minutes. Results : Most participants recognized that the direct cause of high blood pressure was unhealthy behavior rather than inheritance. Thus, the hypertensive patient believed they could recover their blood pressure to a normal level through removing the direct cause of hypertension instead of taking drugs. The reasons for these statements were that the drugs for controlling hypertension are not natural and they may have side effects. On future management plan of patients, most of them will continue to keep moxibustion and healthy behavior in the well-controlled blood pressure group. However in the uncontrolled blood pressure group, there was an increasing tendency to begin medication. Conclusions : For developing a strategy for an individual approach to hypertension management, we need to develop a client-centered attitude and strategy. That is, we need to tailor our approach to individual cases to avoid generalizations and stereotyping when developing an adherence increasing strategy.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.19
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• pp.8127-8134
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• 2014

Background: Qigong is highly favoured among Asian breast cancer survivors for enhancing health. This study examined the hypothesis that quality of life (QoL) in the Qigong group is better than the placebo (aerobic) or usual care group. Materials and Methods: A total of 197 participants were randomly assigned to either the 8-week Kuala Lumpur Qigong Trial or control groups in 2010-2011. Measurement taken at baseline and post-intervention included QoL, distress and fatigue. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Kruskal Wallis were used to examine for differences between groups in the measurements. Results: There were 95 consenting participants in this 8week trial. The adherence rates were 63% for Qigong and 65% for the placebo group. The Qigong group showed significant marginal improvement in Quality of life scores compared to placebo (mean difference=7.3 unit; p=0.036), compared to usual care (mean difference=6.7 unit; p=0.048) on Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Breast measure. There were no significant changes between the placebo and usual care groups in fatigue or distress at post intervention (8-week). Conclusions: Cancer survivors who participated in the Qigong intervention showed slightly better QOL. Follow up studies are greatly needed to evaluate which subgroups may best benefit from Qigong. With a steep rise of cancer survivors, there is an urgent need to explore and engage more cultural means of physical activity to fight side effects of treatment and for cancer control in developing countries.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.250-255
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• 2010

Purpose: Pincer nail is a relatively rare deformity characterized by an increase in transverse curvature along the longitudinal axis of the nail. This curvature commonly increases from proximal to distal end of nail, leading to pinching, curling, and distortion of the underlying soft tissue and resulting frequently in severe pain. Numerous surgical procedures have been reported. Preserving the width of the nail in the correction of the pincer nail is very important for functional and aesthetic reasons. We report the results of the correction of the pincer nail using autogenous dermofat graft with a good result. Methods: From May 2006 to September 2008, dermofat graft was performed in 6 patients with pincer nail. Patients were four women and two men, and the average age was 51. The affected digits were the unilateral great toes in four patients and the unilateral thumbs in two patients. Average follow-up period was 13 months. Surgical procedure was removal of nail using an elevator to avoid damage to the nail bed. An incision was created in distal portion of hyponychium. Paronychium was dissected from distal phalanx by periosteal elevator through incision of hyponychium and tunnel was made. Then dermofat grafts harvested from inguinal area were inserted into the tunnel. Finally, a silicone sheet was inserted eponychial fold for prevention of synechia. Objective assessment was evaluated by use of the width index and height index. Results: All patients reported resolution of the pain and soft tissue pinching sensation that they had before the operation. There was good adherence between the nail plate and the underlying nail bed. The nails have regrown and were corrected in a normal and flattened appearance. The width index and height index were improved. Conclusion: The autogenous dermofat graft seems to provide an effective treatment of the pincer nail with preservation of the nail matrix.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.182-186
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• 2010

Purpose: Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) shows good results in the treatment of chronic pain patients who did not respond to other treatments such as oral analgesics, trigger point injection, nerve block and epidural steroid injection. But, IMS procedure especially, patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) has sometimes serious problem. So, we present a very rare case of intramuscular abscess in the sternocleiomastoid muscle after IMS with literature review. Methods: A 66 year old male visited our department 7 days after IMS in the neck. His premorbid conditions and risk factors of deep neck infection was DM and old age. Computed tomographic scans of the head and neck region were performed in this patient: signs of deep neck infection, were seen enhanced abscess in the sternocleidomastoid muscle, cellulitis overlying tissue of the neck, and air bubbles involved muscle. Necrotic wound was excised serially and we treated this with the Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC, Kinetics Concepts International, San Antonio, Texas) system device. After appropriately shaping the sponge in the pockets, continuous negative pressure of 125 mmHg was applied. The VAC therapy was utilized for a period of 12 days. Results: We obtained satisfactory results from wide excision, drainage of the abscess with the VAC system, and then primary closure. The postoperative course was uneventful. Results: We suggest that many of the infectious complications may be preventable by strict adherence to aseptic techniques and that some of the other complications may be minimized by refining the techniques with a clear understanding of the medical disorders of patients. And, the refined technique using the VAC system can provide a means of simple and effective management for the cervical intramuscular abscess, with better cosmetic and functional results.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.17 no.8
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• pp.631-643
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• 2017

The purpose of this study is to examine factors affecting the life satisfaction of patients with hemodialysis in order to improve the quality of life for patients with hemodialysis. The subjects of this study are 168 patients who have undergone hemodialysis treatment in the hemodialysis rooms in D-city and C-providence. The data are collected between August 20th to September 5th, 2015. By using SAS 9.3 statistics program for data analysis, frequency, ${\chi}^2$-test, variance analysis and multiple regression analysis are conducted. Based on the analysis, it is found that family support(t=5.33, p<.001) and self-efficacy(t=3.52, p<.001) are statistically significant to the quality of life for male patients. Family support(t=2.58, p<.012) and adherence to self-care(t=4.08, p<.001) are statistically significant to the quality of life for female patients. With the study results, it suggests that nurses can help improve the affective and psychological stability of patients with hemodialysis by recognizing the factors affecting the life satisfaction of patients with hemodialysis by gender, developing and utilizing a nursing intervention.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.7
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• pp.3361-3366
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• 2012

Background & Objectives: The most northern and northwestern regions of Iran are at a high risk for gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the general population's awareness about risk factors, symptoms and signs, preventive methods and management of gastric carcinoma in a high prevalence city in the North of Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based telephone survey which was conducted on 3,457 residents of Rasht, the capital city of Guilan Province, to assess their awareness regarding gastric carcinoma. The questionnaires contained demographic data and statements on respondents' knowledge about risk factors, symptoms and signs, prevention and management of gastric cancer which were filled by general practitioners after asking the subjects. Data were analyzed in SPSS14. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean knowledge score of the respondents was $5.05{\pm}1.37$ regarding risk factors of gastric carcinoma, $4.39{\pm}1.99$ regarding symptoms and signs, $6.0{\pm}1.22$ regarding preventive strategies, and $1.6{\pm}1.16$ regarding management. Totally the mean knowledge level of the respondents toward gastric carcinoma would be $17.1{\pm}3.97$ from the maximum grade of 29. The age group of 45-55 y/o, bachelor degree and higher, physicians and nurses, those who had cancer history in friends or had the history of gastrointestinal diseases showed significantly higher knowledge scores (P=0.001). Conclusion: There is a general lack of awareness of cancer risk factors, symptoms and signs, methods of prevention, and importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Educational programs should be developed to promote adherence to recommended screening guidelines.